Imagine a warm, fragrant kitchen filled with the zesty aroma of freshly baked Lemon Pull Apart Coffee Cake—it's the perfect treat to brighten your day! This delightful American recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic coffee cake with a refreshing twist of lemon, making it an irresistible choice for brunches, afternoon teas, or simply as a sweet indulgence anytime. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a stunning cake that pulls apart effortlessly, inviting everyone to savor its moist, buttery layers. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this showstopper that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar-sized baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of milk, and 2 large eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
- Stir in the 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of lemon juice until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Using a knife or a spatula, create a few swirls in the batter to give it a marbled effect. This step is optional but adds a nice visual touch.
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with a little bit of lemon juice or water until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
- Slice the cake into pull-apart pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your Lemon Pull Apart Coffee Cake with a cup of coffee or tea!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lemons when zesting and juicing. The brightness of fresh lemon juice will elevate your cake significantly.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so it’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
- Marbling Technique: For a beautiful marbled effect, use a knife or spatula to swirl the batter gently. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart.
- Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment with the glaze! Add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract for a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
